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por supuesto

A1 phrase #1,200 most common 12 min read

por supuesto

Of course, certainly. Expresses agreement or affirmation.

Top 1,200

At the A1 level, 'por supuesto' is a 'magic phrase' that helps you sound much more fluent than you actually are. It is primarily used as a polite, enthusiastic way to say 'yes' to simple questions. For example, if someone asks if you want coffee or if you understand a word, replying with 'por supuesto' shows that you are engaged and helpful. It is one of the first multi-word phrases you should learn because it doesn't require complex grammar to use—you can just say it on its own. It helps build confidence in basic social interactions.

At the A2 level, you start using 'por supuesto' to handle more varied daily situations. You can use it to accept invitations, agree to help with chores, or confirm plans. You also begin to see it used with 'que sí' and 'que no' (e.g., 'Por supuesto que sí') to add emphasis. At this stage, you should practice placing it at the beginning of short sentences to show logical connections, like 'Por supuesto, tengo las llaves.' It helps you move beyond one-word answers and start forming more natural-sounding conversational responses.

At the B1 level, you use 'por supuesto' to express opinions and participate in more detailed discussions. You can use it to acknowledge someone else's point before adding your own, or to emphasize a fact that supports your argument. You also learn to use it parenthetically (between commas) to add nuance to your sentences, such as 'El clima, por supuesto, fue un problema.' This level requires understanding the difference between 'por supuesto' and its synonyms like 'claro' or 'desde luego' to choose the right tone for the situation.

At the B2 level, 'por supuesto' becomes a tool for structuring complex arguments and expressing subtle attitudes. You might use it rhetorically to introduce a point that you consider undeniable, or even sarcastically to point out something that should have been obvious. You are expected to use it correctly in both formal and informal writing, ensuring that you include the 'que' when followed by a clause. It helps in creating a cohesive flow in essays and presentations, signaling to the audience which points are foundational and which are new.

At the C1 level, you master the pragmatic nuances of 'por supuesto'. You understand how its meaning can shift based on intonation and context—from sincere agreement to ironic dismissal. You use it in high-level professional and academic contexts to acknowledge established theories or to politely concede a minor point while maintaining a larger argument. Your use of the phrase is seamless, and you can easily substitute it with more sophisticated alternatives like 'huelga decir' (it goes without saying) or 'como es de suponer' (as is to be expected) depending on the desired register.

At the C2 level, 'por supuesto' is used with total precision in literary, legal, or highly formal oratory contexts. You recognize its use in classical literature and can analyze how it contributes to a character's voice or an author's tone. You are aware of regional variations and historical evolutions of the phrase. In your own production, you use it sparingly but effectively, knowing exactly when a simpler 'sí' is better and when the weight of 'por supuesto' is needed to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. It is a tool for stylistic mastery.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

por supuesto in 30 Seconds

A versatile phrase meaning 'of course' or 'certainly'.
Used for polite agreement, emphatic confirmation, and rhetorical emphasis.
Can be a standalone response or integrated into sentences with 'que'.
Essential for sounding fluent and polite in daily Spanish interactions.

The Spanish phrase por supuesto is one of the most fundamental and versatile expressions in the Spanish language. At its core, it translates to 'of course' or 'certainly' in English. It is an adverbial locution used to express absolute agreement, confirmation, or to emphasize that something is obvious or expected. The phrase is composed of the preposition por (by/for) and the noun/adjective supuesto (supposed/assumption). Literally, it suggests that something is 'by assumption' or 'taken for granted,' which perfectly aligns with its usage as a marker of certainty.

Affirmative Response: When someone asks a question that requires a 'yes,' using this phrase adds a layer of enthusiasm and certainty that a simple 'sí' lacks. It implies that the answer is so obvious that the question was almost unnecessary.

¿Me puedes ayudar con la maleta? —Por supuesto, con mucho gusto.

In social interactions, por supuesto serves as a politeness marker. It smooths over requests and makes the speaker appear helpful and willing. Unlike 'claro,' which can sometimes sound a bit more casual or even dismissive depending on the tone, por supuesto maintains a level of standard politeness that works in almost any context, from a dinner party with friends to a business meeting with a superior. It is the 'gold standard' for showing that you are on the same page as your interlocutor.

Emphatic Assertion: It can be used to reinforce a statement that has already been made, acting as a way to double down on a fact or opinion.

Ella es, por supuesto, la mejor candidata para el puesto.

Beyond simple agreement, the phrase can also be used rhetorically. In a debate or a structured argument, a speaker might use it to introduce a point that they believe everyone should agree with. This usage is common in journalism and academic writing to establish a baseline of shared knowledge before moving on to more complex or controversial points. It effectively says, 'We all know this to be true, so let's proceed from here.'

The 'Que Sí' Variant: You will often hear 'por supuesto que sí' or 'por supuesto que no'. These are even stronger versions, used to answer closed questions with maximum emphasis.

¿Vas a venir a la fiesta? —¡Por supuesto que sí!

In summary, por supuesto is a pillar of Spanish conversation. It bridges the gap between basic vocabulary and natural-sounding speech. By using it, you signal to native speakers that you are not just translating word-for-word from English, but that you are engaging with the idiomatic flow of the Spanish language. It conveys confidence, politeness, and clarity all at once, making it an essential tool for any learner at any level.

Using por supuesto correctly involves understanding its flexible placement within a sentence. Because it is an adverbial phrase, it can function as a standalone response, an introductory element, an interjection, or a concluding emphasis. Mastering these positions will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to vary your sentence structure effectively.

As a Standalone Response: This is the most common use in daily conversation. When someone asks a question or makes a request, you can simply reply with the phrase to show total agreement.

—¿Podemos vernos a las cinco? —Por supuesto.

When used alone, it is often followed by a comma if you add more information, such as 'Por supuesto, no hay problema.' This adds a touch of warmth to the response. It is also common to hear it with 'que sí' or 'que no' to provide a definitive answer to a polar question.

Introductory Element: Placing the phrase at the beginning of a sentence sets the tone for the entire statement. It signals that what follows is a logical or obvious conclusion.

Por supuesto, todos los invitados deben confirmar su asistencia.

In this position, it acts similarly to 'Naturally' or 'Of course' in English. It establishes a premise that the speaker assumes the listener already understands or will easily accept. It is particularly useful in formal writing or presentations to transition between ideas that are logically linked.

As an Interjection (Parenthetical): Inserting the phrase into the middle of a sentence adds emphasis to a specific part of the statement. It is usually set off by commas.

El director, por supuesto, no estaba enterado de los cambios.

This usage is very sophisticated. It allows the speaker to provide a 'side-note' of certainty without breaking the flow of the main sentence. It often implies a bit of irony or highlights something that should have been expected. For example, in the sentence above, it suggests that it is typical or expected for the director to be out of the loop.

Concluding Emphasis: While less common than the other positions, placing it at the end of a sentence can provide a strong finishing touch, almost like an exclamation point.

Tienes que estudiar para el examen, por supuesto.

When used at the end, it often serves to remind the listener of something they might have forgotten or to reinforce the necessity of an action. It has a slightly more authoritative or 'matter-of-fact' tone than when used at the beginning. By varying these positions, you can control the rhythm and emphasis of your Spanish, making your communication much more nuanced and effective.

The phrase por supuesto is ubiquitous across the Spanish-speaking world. You will encounter it in nearly every social stratum and geographic region, from the bustling streets of Madrid to the quiet villages of the Andes. Its versatility makes it a staple of both spoken and written Spanish, appearing in a wide variety of contexts that every learner should be familiar with.

In Service and Hospitality: If you travel to a Spanish-speaking country, you will hear this phrase constantly from waiters, hotel clerks, and shop assistants. It is the standard polite way to acknowledge a customer's request.

—¿Me trae un poco más de pan? —Por supuesto, ahora mismo se lo traigo.

In this context, it conveys a sense of 'happy to help.' It is much more professional and welcoming than a simple 'sí.' It reassures the customer that their request is reasonable and will be fulfilled immediately. As a learner, using it when someone asks you for a favor will instantly make you sound more gracious and fluent.

In Media and News: Journalists and news anchors use 'por supuesto' to link facts or to emphasize the logical progression of a story. It is a key tool for creating a narrative of certainty.

El presidente asistirá a la cumbre y, por supuesto, dará un discurso inaugural.

When watching Spanish-language news or reading newspapers like El País or La Nación, pay attention to how this phrase is used to frame information. It often precedes a piece of information that the journalist wants to present as undeniable or expected. It helps in guiding the audience's understanding of the event being reported.

In Movies and Telenovelas: In the world of drama, 'por supuesto' can take on a variety of emotional tones. It can be used sincerely in a romantic scene, or with heavy sarcasm in a confrontation.

—¿Me vas a mentir otra vez? —¡Por supuesto que no!

The phrase is a favorite of scriptwriters because it allows actors to express strong conviction. In a telenovela, a character might use 'por supuesto' to profess their undying loyalty or to mock an opponent's predictable behavior. Listening for the intonation used with this phrase in films is a great way to learn how to express different emotions in Spanish.

Finally, in academic and professional settings, por supuesto is used to acknowledge the work of others or to introduce a widely accepted theory. It is a marker of intellectual humility and clarity. Whether you are in a classroom, a courtroom, or a cafe, this phrase is a constant companion in the Spanish language, serving as a bridge of agreement and understanding between speakers.

While por supuesto is a relatively straightforward phrase, learners often encounter a few common pitfalls. These mistakes usually involve spelling, over-reliance, or subtle misinterpretations of tone. Understanding these errors will help you use the phrase with the precision of a native speaker.

Spelling and Word Separation: One of the most frequent written mistakes is writing the phrase as a single word or misspelling 'supuesto'.

Incorrect: porsupuesto or por su puesto (when meaning 'of course').

It must always be two separate words: por and supuesto. Additionally, be careful not to confuse it with 'por su puesto' (by his/her position/job), which is a grammatically correct but entirely different phrase. For example, 'Él fue ascendido por su puesto anterior' means 'He was promoted because of his previous position.' Context usually makes the difference clear, but in writing, the space is crucial.

Overusing the Phrase: While it is a great phrase, using it as the only way to say 'yes' can make your Spanish sound repetitive or overly formal.

Repetitive: —¿Quieres agua? —Por supuesto. —¿Tienes hambre? —Por supuesto.

To sound more natural, vary your affirmative responses. Use 'claro,' 'desde luego,' 'claro que sí,' or simply 'sí' depending on the situation. 'Por supuesto' is quite strong, so using it for every minor agreement can sound a bit intense, like you are constantly making a grand proclamation of certainty.

Misunderstanding the 'Que' Addition: Learners often forget to add 'que' when the phrase is followed by a verb or a full clause.

Incorrect: Por supuesto vendré. Correct: Por supuesto que vendré.

When you are using 'por supuesto' to introduce a statement, you almost always need the conjunction 'que'. This is a common pattern in Spanish (similar to 'claro que' or 'desde luego que'). Forgetting the 'que' makes the sentence feel incomplete to a native ear. The only exception is when the phrase is used parenthetically between commas, as discussed in the usage section.

Lastly, be aware of the tone. In some contexts, saying 'por supuesto' with a flat or sharp intonation can sound sarcastic, implying 'obviously, you idiot.' While this is true of 'of course' in English as well, it is something to keep in mind. Always aim for a warm, rising intonation if you want to sound genuinely helpful and agreeable.

Spanish offers a rich palette of ways to express agreement and certainty. While por supuesto is a fantastic all-rounder, knowing its synonyms and alternatives will allow you to tailor your speech to specific registers and regions. Each of these words has a slightly different 'flavor' or level of intensity.

Claro / Claro que sí: This is the most common alternative. It literally means 'clear' and is used to show that something is obvious or agreed upon. It is generally more casual than 'por supuesto'.

—¿Vienes? —Claro, en cinco minutos estoy allí.

Use 'claro' with friends and family. It is quick, efficient, and very natural. 'Claro que sí' is the emphatic version, often used to reassure someone or to show excitement about a plan.

Desde luego: Very common in Spain, this phrase carries a similar weight to 'por supuesto'. It literally means 'from then' but functions as 'certainly' or 'of course'.

—¿Es importante este documento? —Desde luego, es vital para el caso.

'Desde luego' is slightly more formal than 'claro' and is often used in professional or serious contexts. It is a great way to vary your vocabulary if you find yourself saying 'por supuesto' too often.

Sin duda / Sin duda alguna: Meaning 'without a doubt,' this is used when you want to express 100% certainty. It is more emphatic than 'por supuesto'.

Esta es, sin duda, la mejor pizza de la ciudad.

Use 'sin duda' when you are making a strong claim or when you want to eliminate any possibility of disagreement. It is common in reviews, debates, and persuasive writing.

Naturalmente / Evidentemente: These are cognates of 'naturally' and 'evidently'. They are used to show that a conclusion is logical and expected.

Naturalmente, el agua hierve a cien grados.

These words are more academic or formal. They are perfect for explaining processes or stating facts that are universally known. By mixing 'por supuesto' with these alternatives, you will develop a much more sophisticated and nuanced command of the Spanish language, allowing you to express agreement in exactly the right way for every situation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Por supuesto, la empresa cumplirá con todas sus obligaciones legales."

Neutral

"¿Me puedes pasar la sal? —Por supuesto."

Informal

"—¿Vienes a la fiesta? —¡Por supuesto, tío!"

Child friendly

"—¿Quieres un helado? —¡Por supuesto!"

Slang

"—¿Vas a ir? —Por supuesto, ¡de una!"

Fun Fact

The word 'supuesto' shares the same root as the English word 'suppose'. Both come from the Latin 'sub' (under) and 'ponere' (to place), literally meaning 'to place under' as a foundation for an argument.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɔːr suˈpwesto/

US /pɔːr suˈpwesto/

The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'supuesto' (puesto).

Rhymes With

puesto honesto resto gesto manifiesto presupuesto impuesto dispuesto

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'supuesto' as 'suposto' (missing the 'e').
Failing to separate the two words in speech.
Aspirating the 'p' too much (Spanish 'p' is unaspirated).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it appears frequently in all texts.

Writing 2/5

Need to remember the space between the words and the 'que' when needed.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires practice to use naturally in place of 'sí'.

Listening 1/5

Very clear and distinct phrase in spoken Spanish.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

sí claro por que

Learn Next

desde luego sin duda naturalmente evidentemente

Advanced

huelga decir dar por sentado en el supuesto de que

Grammar to Know

Use of 'que' after adverbial phrases

Por supuesto que vendré. (Not: Por supuesto vendré).

Comma usage with introductory phrases

Por supuesto, no hay problema.

Parenthetical commas

Juan, por supuesto, llegó tarde.

Preposition 'por' vs 'para'

'Por' is used here to indicate cause/assumption, not 'para'.

Agreement with 'sí' and 'no'

Por supuesto que sí / Por supuesto que no.

Examples by Level

¿Quieres un café? —Por supuesto.

Do you want a coffee? —Of course.

Standalone use as an affirmative response.

¿Hablas español? —Por supuesto, un poco.

Do you speak Spanish? —Of course, a little.

Used to emphasize a positive answer.

Por supuesto, gracias.

Of course, thank you.

Common polite combination.

¿Me ayudas? —Por supuesto que sí.

Will you help me? —Of course (I will).

Emphatic version with 'que sí'.

¿Te gusta la música? —Por supuesto.

Do you like music? —Of course.

Expressing obvious agreement.

Por supuesto, no hay problema.

Of course, no problem.

Used to reassure the interlocutor.

¿Es hoy la fiesta? —Por supuesto.

Is the party today? —Of course.

Confirming a known fact.

¿Vienes con nosotros? —Por supuesto.

Are you coming with us? —Of course.

Accepting an invitation.

Por supuesto, tengo el pasaporte aquí.

Of course, I have the passport here.

Introductory use followed by a comma.

¿Puedes cerrar la ventana? —Por supuesto.

Can you close the window? —Of course.

Polite response to a request.

Por supuesto que vamos a ir al cine.

Of course we are going to go to the cinema.

Use of 'que' before a full clause.

¿Está lista la cena? —Por supuesto que sí.

Is dinner ready? —Of course it is.

Emphatic confirmation.

Por supuesto, ella es mi mejor amiga.

Of course, she is my best friend.

Stating something as obvious.

¿Tienes tiempo ahora? —Por supuesto.

Do you have time now? —Of course.

Agreeing to a meeting.

Por supuesto que no quiero perder el tren.

Of course I don't want to miss the train.

Negative emphasis with 'que no'.

¿Sabes dónde está el baño? —Por supuesto, por allí.

Do you know where the bathroom is? —Of course, over there.

Confirming knowledge and providing info.

El examen fue difícil, por supuesto, pero aprobé.

The exam was difficult, of course, but I passed.

Parenthetical use to add a logical observation.

Por supuesto que la tecnología ha cambiado nuestras vidas.

Of course technology has changed our lives.

Introducing a widely accepted opinion.

¿Crees que lloverá? —Por supuesto, mira las nubes.

Do you think it will rain? —Of course, look at the clouds.

Drawing a logical conclusion from evidence.

Por supuesto, cada país tiene sus propias tradiciones.

Of course, every country has its own traditions.

Generalizing a fact in a discussion.

¿Vas a invitar a Juan? —Por supuesto, es parte del grupo.

Are you going to invite Juan? —Of course, he is part of the group.

Justifying an action as obvious.

Ella, por supuesto, no sabía nada de la sorpresa.

She, of course, knew nothing about the surprise.

Using commas to insert the phrase mid-sentence.

Por supuesto que debemos proteger el medio ambiente.

Of course we must protect the environment.

Expressing a strong moral conviction.

¿Te gusta viajar? —Por supuesto, a quién no.

Do you like to travel? —Of course, who doesn't.

Using a rhetorical question for emphasis.

Por supuesto, no podemos ignorar las consecuencias económicas.

Of course, we cannot ignore the economic consequences.

Formal introductory use in an argument.

El autor, por supuesto, utiliza metáforas para expresar su dolor.

The author, of course, uses metaphors to express his pain.

Analytical use in literary commentary.

¿Aceptarán la propuesta? —Por supuesto que sí, es muy ventajosa.

Will they accept the proposal? —Of course they will, it is very advantageous.

Predicting a logical outcome.

Por supuesto que el éxito requiere mucho esfuerzo.

Of course success requires a lot of effort.

Stating a fundamental truth.

La seguridad es, por supuesto, nuestra prioridad número uno.

Security is, of course, our number one priority.

Emphasizing a key point in a professional context.

¿Te arrepientes? —Por supuesto que no, fue lo correcto.

Do you regret it? —Of course not, it was the right thing.

Strong denial of a feeling.

Por supuesto, hay excepciones a cada regla.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule.

Acknowledging complexity in a statement.

Él es, por supuesto, el más indicado para liderar el proyecto.

He is, of course, the most suitable person to lead the project.

Reinforcing a superlative claim.

Huelga decir que, por supuesto, los resultados son preliminares.

It goes without saying that, of course, the results are preliminary.

Combining with other formal expressions of certainty.

Por supuesto que la subjetividad juega un papel en la historia.

Of course subjectivity plays a role in history.

Discussing abstract concepts with confidence.

La decisión fue, por supuesto, fruto de una larga deliberación.

The decision was, of course, the result of a long deliberation.

Using the phrase to add weight to a formal statement.

¿Es esta la única solución? —Por supuesto que no, pero es la mejor.

Is this the only solution? —Of course not, but it is the best one.

Nuanced response in a complex situation.

Por supuesto, el contexto cultural influye en la percepción.

Of course, the cultural context influences perception.

Academic assertion of a principle.

El realismo mágico es, por supuesto, una seña de identidad de su obra.

Magical realism is, of course, a hallmark of his work.

Identifying a defining characteristic.

¿Te parece justo? —Por supuesto que no, es una injusticia flagrante.

Does it seem fair to you? —Of course not, it is a flagrant injustice.

Expressing strong ethical judgment.

Por supuesto, no todos los críticos estuvieron de acuerdo.

Of course, not all critics agreed.

Introducing a counterpoint as something expected.

Por supuesto, la dialéctica entre el ser y el tiempo es ineludible.

Of course, the dialectic between being and time is inescapable.

High-level philosophical usage.

Tal premisa, por supuesto, se desmorona ante un análisis riguroso.

Such a premise, of course, crumbles before a rigorous analysis.

Using the phrase to dismiss an argument elegantly.

¿Es el arte una imitación? —Por supuesto, pero una imitación creadora.

Is art an imitation? —Of course, but a creative imitation.

Refining a definition with sophisticated nuance.

Por supuesto que la retórica puede ser un arma de doble filo.

Of course rhetoric can be a double-edged sword.

Metaphorical use in a formal discourse.

La libertad, por supuesto, conlleva una responsabilidad inalienable.

Freedom, of course, entails an inalienable responsibility.

Stating a profound ethical principle.

¿Es el fin de la historia? —Por supuesto que no, es solo un nuevo capítulo.

Is it the end of history? —Of course not, it is just a new chapter.

Using the phrase for historical/philosophical commentary.

Por supuesto, la estética no puede separarse de la ética.

Of course, aesthetics cannot be separated from ethics.

Asserting a complex interdisciplinary link.

Su silencio fue, por supuesto, más elocuente que sus palabras.

His silence was, of course, more eloquent than his words.

Literary use to describe a character's impact.

Common Collocations

por supuesto que sí

por supuesto que no

pero por supuesto

y por supuesto

como por supuesto

por supuesto, faltaría más

por supuesto, ni lo dudes

por supuesto, todo en orden

por supuesto, como siempre

por supuesto, sin falta

Common Phrases

dar por supuesto

un supuesto

bajo el supuesto de

en el mejor de los supuestos

supuesto de hecho

por supuesto que vendrá

por supuesto, caballero

por supuesto, señorita

por supuesto, no faltaba más

por supuesto, es obvio

Often Confused With

por supuesto vs por su puesto

Means 'because of his/her position'. Note the space and the different meaning.

por supuesto vs por si acaso

Means 'just in case'. Often confused by beginners due to the 'por' and 's' sound.

por supuesto vs por fin

Means 'at last'. Different meaning entirely.

Idioms & Expressions

"dar por sentado"

A very common synonym for 'dar por supuesto', meaning to take for granted.

Damos por sentado que el agua es potable.

neutral

"caer por su propio peso"

To be obvious or to follow logically without needing explanation.

La verdad caerá por su propio peso.

neutral

"de cajón"

Something that is so obvious it is 'in the drawer' (ready and waiting).

Esa respuesta es de cajón.

informal

"saltar a la vista"

To be glaringly obvious or evident.

Su talento salta a la vista.

neutral

"no hace falta decir"

It goes without saying.

No hace falta decir que eres bienvenido.

neutral

"por descontado"

To take something as a given or already 'discounted' from the doubt.

Damos por descontado su apoyo.

formal

"a todas luces"

Clearly, evidently, by all lights.

Es, a todas luces, un error.

formal

"como Dios manda"

As it should be, properly (often used for obvious social norms).

Haz las cosas como Dios manda.

informal/cultural

"ser harina de otro costal"

To be a different matter entirely (often used after a 'por supuesto' point).

Eso, por supuesto, es harina de otro costal.

idiomatic

"poner los puntos sobre las íes"

To make things crystal clear (often follows an obvious statement).

Vamos a poner los puntos sobre las íes.

neutral

Easily Confused

por supuesto vs claro

Both mean 'of course'.

'Claro' is more casual; 'por supuesto' is slightly more formal and emphatic.

—¿Vienes? —Claro. / —¿Me ayuda? —Por supuesto.

por supuesto vs desde luego

Both mean 'certainly'.

'Desde luego' is very common in Spain, while 'por supuesto' is universal.

Desde luego, tienes razón.

por supuesto vs naturalmente

Both express obviousness.

'Naturalmente' implies a logical or biological necessity.

Naturalmente, las plantas necesitan agua.

por supuesto vs ciertamente

Both mean 'certainly'.

'Ciertamente' is much more formal and less common in speech.

Ciertamente, es un gran honor.

por supuesto vs seguro

Both express certainty.

'Seguro' is often used as 'sure' or 'safe'.

—¿Vienes? —Seguro.

Sentence Patterns

¿...? —Por supuesto.

¿Quieres agua? —Por supuesto.

Por supuesto, gracias.

Por supuesto, gracias por la ayuda.

Por supuesto que sí.

¿Vas a venir? —Por supuesto que sí.

Por supuesto, [sentence].

Por supuesto, yo tengo el libro.

[Sentence], por supuesto.

Ella vendrá, por supuesto.

[Subject], por supuesto, [verb].

Pedro, por supuesto, sabía la verdad.

Por supuesto que [clause].

Por supuesto que la situación es difícil.

Pero, por supuesto, [sentence].

Pero, por supuesto, no todos piensan igual.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in all Spanish-speaking countries.

Common Mistakes

Writing 'porsupuesto' as one word. → por supuesto
It is an adverbial locution made of two distinct words.
Saying 'Por supuesto vendré'. → Por supuesto que vendré.
You need the conjunction 'que' to link the phrase to a following verb.
Confusing 'por supuesto' with 'por su puesto'. → por supuesto (for 'of course')
'Por su puesto' means 'because of his/her job/position'.
Using 'por supuesto' for every 'yes'. → Vary with 'sí', 'claro', etc.
Overuse can make you sound repetitive or overly formal.
Pronouncing it as 'por suposto'. → por supuesto
Don't forget the 'e' in the 'ue' diphthong.

Tips

Sound like a native

Use 'por supuesto' instead of 'sí' when someone asks you for a favor. It makes you sound much more helpful and fluent.

The 'Que' Rule

Remember: 'Por supuesto que sí' but just 'Por supuesto' if you stop there.

Spelling Check

Always write it as two words. 'Porsupuesto' is a common mistake even for some native speakers in informal chats.

Regional variation

In Spain, try using 'desde luego' occasionally to blend in better with the locals.

The 'R' sound

The 'r' in 'por' is a single tap. Don't roll it too much unless you are being very dramatic!

Synonym swap

Try swapping 'por supuesto' with 'claro' in casual settings to see how the 'vibe' of the conversation changes.

Context clues

Listen for the tone. A high-pitched 'por supuesto' is usually happy agreement; a low, flat one might be sarcastic.

Mnemonic

Think: 'Support the Supposition'. Por Supuesto!

Standalone power

Don't feel like you need to add more. 'Por supuesto' is a complete and perfect answer on its own.

Politeness

Use it in restaurants and shops. The staff will appreciate the extra effort in politeness.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Poor Sue's Post-it'. Sue is so organized that 'of course' she has a Post-it for everything. 'Por' (Poor) 'Sue' (Su-) 'puesto' (Post-it).

Visual Association

Imagine a giant green checkmark appearing in the air every time you say it. The checkmark represents 'of course' and 'correct'.

Word Web

claro cierto obvio seguro supuesto acuerdo sí verdad

Challenge

Try to use 'por supuesto' at least three times in your next Spanish conversation instead of just saying 'sí'.

Word Origin

From the Spanish preposition 'por' (from Latin 'pro') and 'supuesto', the past participle of 'suponer'.

Original meaning: 'By assumption' or 'placed under' (from Latin 'suppositus').

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Generally very safe and positive. Avoid using it sarcastically unless you know the person well, as it can sound condescending.

Equivalent to 'of course', 'certainly', or 'by all means'.

Commonly heard in Spanish cinema (e.g., Almodóvar films) to show dramatic conviction. Used frequently in Spanish-language talk shows to agree with guests.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a restaurant

¿Me trae la cuenta? —Por supuesto.
¿Tienen mesas libres? —Por supuesto, pase por aquí.

In an office

¿Puedes revisar este informe? —Por supuesto, lo haré ahora.
Por supuesto, la reunión es a las diez.

With friends

¿Vamos a la playa? —¡Por supuesto!
Por supuesto que te ayudaré con la mudanza.

In a classroom

¿Entiendes la lección? —Por supuesto, profesor.
Por supuesto, la respuesta es correcta.

At a hotel

¿Puedo dejar mi maleta aquí? —Por supuesto.
Por supuesto, su habitación está lista.

Conversation Starters

"¿Crees que el español es un idioma hermoso? —Por supuesto, ¡me encanta!"

"¿Te gustaría viajar a España algún día? —Por supuesto, es mi sueño."

"¿Es importante aprender idiomas hoy en día? —Por supuesto, abre muchas puertas."

"¿Crees que la comida mexicana es la mejor? —Por supuesto, es deliciosa."

"¿Vas a seguir estudiando español mañana? —Por supuesto que sí."

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre algo que das por supuesto en tu vida diaria.

¿Por qué es importante decir 'por supuesto' en lugar de solo 'sí'?

Describe una situación en la que alguien te dijo 'por supuesto' y te sentiste bien.

¿Qué cosas son, por supuesto, necesarias para ser feliz?

Escribe un diálogo corto usando 'por supuesto' tres veces.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'por supuesto' is slightly more formal and polite. While 'claro' is perfect for friends, 'por supuesto' is better for strangers, bosses, or customers.

Only if a verb or a full clause follows. If you use it as a standalone answer, you don't need 'que'.

Yes, by saying 'por supuesto que no'. This means 'of course not'.

Absolutely. It is one of the most universal phrases in the Spanish language.

It sounds like the 'we' in 'west'. Make sure not to say 'u-esto' as two separate sounds; it's a quick diphthong.

Yes, just like in English. If said with a flat or mocking tone, it can mean 'obviously' in a rude way.

Literally, it means 'by assumption' or 'by supposition'.

No, it is always two words: 'por' and 'supuesto'.

Yes, for example: 'Él va a venir, por supuesto.' It adds a nice emphatic touch.

They are very similar. 'Desde luego' is more common in Spain, while 'por supuesto' is used everywhere.